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At a site where monks once fished for salmon, where the Örekil River joins Gullmarn fjord, the enterprise today known as Arctic Paper Munkedals AB was founded in 1871. The Örekil River and Gullmarn are located in one of the most beautiful natural areas on the west coast of Sweden.

For a long time no one noticed the impact of the industry on this nature resource with its rich animal life. But eventually the water became less clear and the fish became more scarce.

In the 1960s it became obvious that the emissions from paper production were a threat to the environment. This strong warning was the beginning of our long-term commitment. The mills of Arctic Paper were among the first to take measures to prevent paper production’s impact on nature.

In 1966 we stopped producing our own pulp at Arctic Paper Munkedals. Throughout the years, as our new insights grew, our knowledge and experience went into developing processes to reduce unwanted environmental effects.

In the course of time we found ways of reducing our use of water and energy. In the eighties we introduced biological processes to clean our process water.

In the same period our Group acquired the Kostrzyn mill, close to the Warta and Oder Rivers in Poland. Environmental work at the Kostrzyn mill has continued apace since then, and it is now at the forefront of this field. In autumn 2006, a new heat and power plant, fuelled by gas, was opened to replace the old coal-based plant.

Many of our Group’s efforts have gone into dealing with cleaning and re-using our process water, in order to minimise negative environmental impact. The purification process can be studied, for example, at our Environmental Centre in Munkedals. The exhibition hall is next to the large ponds that form the final stage of purification. We invite customers, school groups and others who want to learn more about our environmental work here. In 2008, upgrading and development of the water purification plant was carried out at the mill in Poland.

Arctic Paper Munkedals is now one of the most environmentally-friendly paper mills in the world. In addition to low water consumption, the mill has one of the lowest discharge figures in the industry. Our process is now so self-contained that only around three to four litres of water is used to produce one kilo of paper. Other similar production units consume 10-15 litres of water*. Less water for the process means more efficient use of energy and raw materials. We have been continuously improving our management of resources and reducing our emissions.

As a result of all the measures implemented, many qualities of the fjord have regained their previous status. Gullmarn fjord is now a place with lots of fish and fresh air.

Munkedal Skog & Event with its head office in Munkedal, around 100 km north of Göteborg, is part of the same group as Arctic Paper. On our land and in our forests we have developed three unique meeting places. The idea is to make it possible for customers of Arctic Paper, and other companies, to experience the countryside around Vågsäter, Harkerud and Munkedals Herrgård. We can offer you a memorable conference or kick-off. Read more about Munkedal Skog & Event.